California Designates Deepavali as an Official State Holiday

In a landmark decision, California has officially designated Deepavali (Diwali) as a state holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to formally recognise the Indian festival of lights.

Legislative Background

The move follows the passage of Bill AB 268 in September 2025, which successfully cleared both houses of the California Legislature and was awaiting final approval by the state governor.
With the governor’s assent, California has joined a growing list of U.S. states acknowledging the cultural and social significance of Deepavali.

Precedent and Broader Context

• Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to officially recognise Deepavali as a state holiday in October 2024.
• Connecticut followed suit in 2025, and now California marks the third.
• Additionally, New York City has declared Deepavali a holiday for public schools, further highlighting its cultural inclusivity.